Using Reported Speech in Various Contexts

In this guide, you will learn how to use reported speech in various contexts in the Italian language. Reported speech allows you to report what someone else has said, while maintaining accuracy and clarity. We will explore different contexts, such as reporting opinions, thoughts, and intentions.

1. Reporting Opinions:

When reporting someone's opinion, you need to consider the verb tense and pronoun changes. Here's an example:

Direct speech: Mario dice: "Mi piace il cinema." (Mario says, "I like movies.")

Reported speech: Mario dice che gli piace il cinema. (Mario says that he likes movies.)

In reported speech, the verb "piacere" agrees with the subject pronoun "gli" (him). Note the changes in pronouns and verb tense.

1. Reporting Thoughts:

When reporting someone's thoughts, you will use verbs like "pensare" (to think) or "credere" (to believe). Here's an example:

Direct speech: Laura pensa: "Ho bisogno di una vacanza." (Laura thinks, "I need a vacation.")

Reported speech: Laura pensa che abbia bisogno di una vacanza. (Laura thinks that she needs a vacation.)

In reported speech, the verb "avere" is conjugated in the present subjunctive tense. Note the changes in pronouns and verb tense.

1. Reporting Intentions:

When reporting someone's intentions, you will use verbs like "volere" (to want) or "decidere" (to decide). Here's an example:

Direct speech: Anna dice: "Voglio imparare l'italiano." (Anna says, "I want to learn Italian.")

Reported speech: Anna dice che vuole imparare l'italiano. (Anna says that she wants to learn Italian.)

In reported speech, the verb "volere" is conjugated in the present indicative tense. Note the changes in pronouns and verb tense.

Important Considerations:

• Use the appropriate verb tense based on the context and the original speaker's words.
• Pay attention to verb agreement with the new subject pronoun in reported speech.
• Use conjunctions like "che" (that) to introduce reported speech.
• Report the speaker's words accurately and objectively.

Practice:

Now that you understand the basics of using reported speech in different contexts, practice by converting the following direct speech into reported speech:

1. Direct speech: Luca dice: "Vado al supermercato." (Luca says, "I'm going to the supermarket.")

Reported speech: Luca dice che va al supermercato. (Luca says that he's going to the supermarket.)

1. Direct speech: Maria pensa: "È una buona idea." (Maria thinks, "It's a good idea.")

Reported speech: Maria pensa che è una buona idea. (Maria thinks that it's a good idea.)

1. Direct speech: Giovanni dice: "Sto studiando per l'esame." (Giovanni says, "I'm studying for the exam.")

Reported speech: Giovanni dice che sta studiando per l'esame. (Giovanni says that he's studying for the exam.)

Remember to practice using reported speech in different contexts to become more comfortable with its usage.